BLM is considering full revocation of the 10-mile mineral withdrawal
With five days remaining in the federal public comment period, Pueblo of Laguna Gov. Harry A. Antonio Jr. is urging residents to oppose the proposed removal of protections surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
PUEBLO OF LAGUNA, N.M. – With five days remaining in the federal public comment period, Pueblo of Laguna Gov. Harry A. Antonio Jr. is urging residents to oppose the proposed removal of protections surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
The Bureau of Land Management is accepting comments through July 29 on a draft environmental assessment considering whether to revoke Public Land Order No. 7923. The 2023 order withdrew approximately 336,404 acres of federal land within 10 miles of the park from new mineral leasing and mining claims for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights.
BLM is considering three alternatives: keeping the existing 10-mile withdrawal, revoking it entirely or retaining a five-mile buffer while reopening federal lands beyond that distance. The agency has identified full revocation as its proposed action.
Antonio said the Pueblo of Laguna firmly opposes removing the protections and supports the BLM’s No Action Alternative, which would leave the 10-mile buffer in place.
“Our region knows better than most that the short-term profits of resource extraction often leave behind long-term devastation,” Antonio said in a statement provided to the Cibola Citizen. “Reopening this landscape to the fossil fuel industry threatens to destroy our living history.”
Antonio said the debate extends beyond the archaeological structures within the park and concerns a broader living cultural landscape connected to Pueblo history, identity and spiritual life.
“For the Pueblo of Laguna, Chaco Canyon is not a ‘ruin’; it is a living, breathing landscape that holds the footprints, spirits and voices of our ancestors,” he said. “Chaco Canyon is a centerpiece of Pueblo culture that plays a prominent role in the Pueblo of Laguna’s history, which we still honor today.”
The governor urged the Department of the Interior to fulfill its federal trust responsibilities, consult directly with the Pueblo and preserve the landscape for future generations.
“We should not sacrifice our ancestral homelands just so oil and gas companies can squeeze a little more fuel out of the ground,” Antonio said. “Destroying a permanent cultural legacy for a temporary payday is a bad deal for all our communities.”
Cibola County will not Submit Position Without Commission Direction
Cibola County Manager Kate Fletcher told the Citizen that the county government will not submit a letter either supporting or opposing the proposal unless the Board of County Commissioners directs the administration to do so.
No countywide position had been authorized as of July 24, the regular meeting of Cibola County Board of Commissioners was held July 23.
The issue carries particular significance in Cibola County, which includes the Pueblos of Laguna and Acoma. Both Pueblo governments have publicly supported keeping the existing withdrawal in place.
Heinrich Urges New Mexicans to Comment
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich also issued a public appeal July 21 asking New Mexicans to submit comments before the deadline.
“Chaco Canyon is one of the most sacred and culturally significant places in New Mexico,” Heinrich said. “And right now, we need you to help us protect it by submitting a public comment before July 29.”
Heinrich accused the Trump administration of attempting to undo years of work by Tribal governments, communities, advocates and elected officials to protect the Greater Chaco landscape.
“Rather than engaging in meaningful Tribal consultation, it has given the public just 14 days to weigh in,” Heinrich said. “That means there is only a short window for New Mexicans to make their voices heard.”
The senator asked commenters to tell federal officials to keep the existing protections in place.
“Chaco Canyon is part of our shared history and a living cultural landscape that holds deep meaning for Tribes in New Mexico,” Heinrich said. “I hope you will join me in doing our part to protect this sacred place and ensure it remains for future generations.”
How to Submit a Comment
Members of the public may review the draft environmental assessment and submit comments through the BLM National NEPA Register at eplanning.blm.gov.
Search for the project identification number:
DOI-BLM-NM-F010-2026-0002-EA
On the project page, select “Participate Now” to submit a comment electronically.
Written comments may also be mailed or delivered to:
BLM Farmington Field Office
Attn: PLO 7923
6251 College Blvd., Suite A
Farmington, NM 87402
Comments must be received by July 29, 2026.
For additional information, the BLM lists Project Manager Sarah Scott as the contact at sscott@blm.gov or 505-564-7689.
The BLM will review the comments before completing its environmental assessment. The agency has not announced when the Interior Department will issue a final decision.